The Dallas Art Fair Founders' Guide to Art in Dallas

The founders of the Dallas Art Fair tell us where to catch the latest additions to the city's amazing art scene (and where to eat and drink after).

Dallas is having a major, cultural transformation moment right now, and Chris Byrne and John Sughrue are helping to lead the charge with their annual Dallas Art Fair (which kicked off on Friday). Now in its sixth year, the Art Fair has been making noise on the international art scene, attracting major artists like Julian Schnabel, Richard Phillips, and Thomas Lawson. (Coincidentally or not, even George W. Bush selected to unveil his new exhibition of paintings at the same time as the art fair). “Dallas is going through that moment in time like L.A. did 20 years ago,” said Sughrue. “I’ve been here 25 years and this is that moment in time for Dallas.” Here, the duo tells us where to see great art in the city right now—and of course, where to eat and drink after.

“The Sculpture Garden at the Nasher is one of Dallas' real treasures,” says Byrne. The serene, outdoor museum features large-scale sculptures by the likes of Richard Serra, Henry Moore, Joan Miró, and more. Make sure to check out the German-Iranian artist Bettina Pousttchi’s just-opened installation, Drive Thru Museum. When you are done at the Nasher, pop over to the adjacent Dallas Museum of Art. “
The Dallas Museum of Art also has a great exhibition of their recent acquisitions that can't be missed called Never Enough,” says Byrne. (2001 Flora St; 214-242-5100)

After a day at the museums, rest your feet and take in the views (and the people watching) at Lark on the Park. “One of the great new spots to grab a drink is Lark on the Park, right beside Clyde Warren Park,” says Sughrue of the new hotspot by restauranteur Shannon Wynne, which attracts a big after-work crowd. “The Lark Margarita is killer. It’s made with Altos reposado, Cointreau, lime and orange juice, a little simple syrup, mescal, and an egg white.” If beer is more your thing, they’ve also got a large selection of craft beers. (2015 Woodall Rodgers Fwy; 214-855-5275)

Conveniently, one of the city’s best restaurants (CBD Provisions) is connected to one of Dallas’ biggest attractions at the moment, The Joule Hotel on Main Street. “Most definitely stay at The Joule, which has become the heart of downtown Dallas,” says Sughrue of the hotel, which is owned by billionaire Tim Headington. “They've really brought some of the best culture and fashion from the coasts to town (TenOver Six, Traffic, Taschen.) They have a great art collection - especially the towering Eye by Tony Tasset, which has become an icon of the city. They also have the amazing ESPA spa—there’s great art in there too (original commissions by Anthony Pearson, poolside).” (1530 Main St; 214-748-1300)

“I'm a big fan of CBD Provisions,” says Byrne of the bustling American brasserie in the central business district (hence the name, CBD) in downtown Dallas. “Artists love it—I've brought Julian Schnabel and David Salle there in recent weeks. Most of the restaurants in Dallas have a very big feeling, but CBD manages to feel intimate.” What to order? “They have the best chili in town,” says Sughrue. “No beans, no tomatoes, and they throw an egg in there too. Do you see a theme here?” (1530 Main St; 214-261-4500)